ONE Championship CEO Chatri Sityodtong has already led his company to new heights that has the Singapore-based promotion at the head of martial arts organizations in Asia. With North American expansion already underway, Sityodtong has his sights set firmly on his next goal, and that's bringing mixed martial arts to the Olympics.

Some might initially doubt the legitimacy of such a goal, but it's not a new initiative. The Global Association of Mixed Martial Arts (GAMMA), which was founded in 2018, was created with that objective in mind. There are other organizations with similar goals. The International Mixed Martial Arts Federation (IMMAF), which is backed by the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) had its application for sports recognition rejected in February.

IMMAF has resubmitted its application and is still in communication with the Global Association of Mixed Martial Arts Federations in pursuance of their goal.

Gaining recognition would have been a big step toward achieving inclusion in the Olympic conversation. Still, GAMMA is pushing to get MMA recognized as an Olympic sport. Because of the common objective, it was only natural that ONE Championship and GAMMA partner in pursuit of this goal.

Earlier this month, ONE and GAMMA entered into a multi-year, seven-figure partnership. In October, the GAMMA Tournament will take place in Singapore, alongside a ONE Warrior Series event. I had an opportunity to speak with Sityodtong about his partnership with GAMMA and plans to bring MMA to the Olympics.

Members of the amateur club 'Le Battle' practise Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), on October 29, 2018 to Chauffailles, east-central France. - Fighters of the bourguignon's club fly away in November for a cup of amateur world of MMA to Kislovodsk, in Russia while the competitions of MMA are forbidden in France. (Photo by JEAN-PHILIPPE KSIAZEK / AFP) (Photo credit should read JEAN-PHILIPPE KSIAZEK/AFP/Getty Images)

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"ONE Championship represents authentic martial arts integrity, humility, honor, respect, courage, discipline, and compassion," said Sityodtong via phone. "GAMMA shares those values, and we have the same vision. We both felt that we wanted to work together to promote the sport in the right way, both at the amateur and professional level, united on one front to get MMA into the Olympics."

When many people think about MMA, they may have a hard time picturing it in the Olympics. Sityodtong and those profoundly involved understand the Olympic iteration of the sport will look different than what we see from the world's top promotions.

"The rules are going to be very different because the Olympics doesn't want any risk of blood, and also strikes on the ground is frowned upon in the Olympics," said Sityodtong.

Expect to see headgear, elbow and knee pads on the athletes. Also, certain types of strikes are likely to be ruled illegal, such as elbows and strikes to grounded opponents. The gloves used might even be a bit more padded than the ones used in professional MMA.

"There are a few rules we'll have to adjust to make MMA Olympic-ready, but the most important thing, it'll keep the true essence of the sport."

Sityodtong is a Harvard graduate, and self-made businessman who engineered ONE's rise, and his successful track record was a significant reason for the partnership between ONE and GAMMA. I asked if he might be serving in a leadership capacity in conjunction with the IOC at some point, but that's not in play as of now.

"I'm helping now because I have leadership, business, and martial arts experience," said Sityodtong. "ONE Championship is helping financially, with its connections, and marketing reach. Who knows down the road what will happen? I can't predict."

It's a little too late to expect MMA to be a part of the 2020 Games, but Sityodtong believes his dream could come true soon after.

"I don't want to give a hard timeline, but I think 2028 or 2024 is possible. 2028 is more realistic."

The 2028 Games are set to take place in Los Angeles, California. That would be a massive platform for the sport worldwide, but especially in America. It would be even more significant if familiar faces were competing.

We see professional basketball and hockey players representing their countries in the Olympics. Is this something that Sityodtong can see or would encourage professional MMA athletes to pursue?

"I would love to see ONE Championship athletes in the Olympics," he said. "The reality is, ONE Championship athletes already embrace Olympic values and Olympic ethos, so I think it's a natural fit. Ultimately, I'd like to invite all martial artists around the world, irrespective of country and backgrounds, to join the fight, to celebrate authentic MMA and the incredible values of martial arts, and to elevate the sport to the next level so that the entire world can unite and embrace the beauty of MMA. That is my dream. We are One."